NINE people have been taken to hospital after stairs collapsed at Tayto Park.

The incident occurred last night at the new 'House of Horrors' attraction at the Park.

The park, located close to Ashbourne in Co Meath, was open late for a Halloween After Dark event.

Staff immediately cordoned off the area and medical assistance was called.

A spokesperson for the park said the customers had been taken to hospital as a precaution; the extent of any injuries is not known.

The Health and Safety Authority is investigating the incident, a garda spokesperson has confirmed.

However the park remained open after the incident and is expected to be open for business as usual today.

In a statement this morning the park said:

"Last night at approximately 8pm the lower portion of a permanent staircase leading to The House of Horrors gave way.

"The Tayto Park emergency plan was immediately put in place and the emergency services attended the scene. 9 people were transported to hospitals in the city as a precautionary measure to assess their injuries.

"The management of Tayto Park will co-operate fully with the investigation as the safety of our guests is paramount.